Oak Park names new police chief

Oak Park officials Thursday named the first African-American police chief in the village's history.

Promoting from within after a six-month nationwide search, village officials chose Deputy Chief Rick Tanksley to replace Chief Joseph Mendrick. A 35-year veteran, Mendrick is retiring in June.

"We were fortunate to have a candidate of Tanksley's experience right here in town. It kind of lends an instant credibility to him to stand up against the best in the country," village spokesman David Powers said.

After joining the department in 1984, Tanksley served as a training officer, sergeant and commander.